January 2024

A NOTE FROM Ariel Lee

Ariel serves as the Awareness & Prevention Services Manager

As we navigate through the currents of life, it's heartening to witness the ripples of impact that our collective efforts create. In the spirit of doing good, let's take a moment to celebrate the positive waves we've generated together.

Community Engagement:

Your dedication to your communities has been nothing short of inspiring. Each of you play a vital role in fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

Empowering Lives:

Your commitment to empowering lives continues to be a beacon of hope. Whether it's through educational programs, support services, or outreach efforts, you're making a tangible difference in the lives of those you serve.

Building Bridges:

Together, we're building bridges of understanding and compassion. The connections you've forged, both within your organizations, schools, communities, and with external partners, amplify your capacity to create positive change.

Looking Forward:

As we look ahead, let's remain steadfast in our commitment to doing great works. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to the larger tapestry of positive change.

Thank you for being an integral part of our mission. Your passion and dedication are the driving forces behind the good we all achieve.

Contact Ariel: [email protected]

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

As we step into the month of January, we are reminded that it is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a crucial time to deepen our understanding of this pressing issue and renew our commitment to combating it. Human trafficking remains a pervasive crime that affects millions globally and our collective efforts play a vital role in raising awareness, preventing exploitation, and supporting survivors. Check out our website for upcoming events.

Here are some key points to consider as we engage in activities and conversations throughout this month:

Understanding the Issue:

Human trafficking is a complex crime that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for various purposes, such as forced labor or commercial sex. Education is a powerful tool, and the more we understand the intricacies of this issue, the better equipped we are to address it.

Local Impact:

It's essential to recognize that human trafficking is not confined to distant places—it happens in our communities. Understanding local vulnerabilities, recognizing signs, and knowing how to report suspicious activities contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

Empowering Communities:

Human Trafficking Awareness Month provides an opportunity to empower communities. By fostering an environment of openness, education, and support, we can work together to prevent exploitation and support survivors on their path to recovery.

Advocacy and Policy:

Engaging in advocacy efforts and staying informed about relevant policies are crucial components of the fight against human trafficking. Supporting initiatives that address root causes and strengthen legal frameworks contributes to a comprehensive approach.

Supporting Survivors:

The journey of survivors is marked by resilience, strength, and healing. By amplifying survivor voices, reducing stigma, and supporting organizations that provide assistance, we contribute to creating a more compassionate and understanding society.

As we observe Human Trafficking Awareness Month, let us stand united in our commitment to eradicating this crime. Through education, advocacy, and community support, we can make meaningful strides toward a world where every individual is free from exploitation.

Thank you for your dedication to this cause.

TRAININGS

Opportunities for professional development and continued learning are listed below. 

Self-care & Wellness for ALL

January 11

10:30 AM-12:30 PM

Effectively Addressing Teen Anxiety and ADHD

January 11

11 AM ET

Leading Through Change

January 17th

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET

Understanding and Addressing Human Trafficking in Behavioral Health Work

January 17th

12PM ET

Treating Suicide Risk in Outpatient Settings

January 18

10 AM- 2:20 PM

Healing Centered Engagement: Placing Wellness at the Center of Service

January 18

12:30-2 PM ET 

Understanding Trauma and Trauma-Related Disorders

January 23

12 PM ET

Support for Students Exposed to Trauma

January 24th

10 AM -1 PM ET

Kids Grief Summit

January 24-25

Trauma-Informed Approaches to Crisis and De-Escalation in Youth and Families

January 25



12:30 PM ET

Trauma Super Conference

Jan 25 – Feb 4 

Human Trafficking News | Pornhub Parent Company

U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of New York



In a recent federal court proceeding in Brooklyn, Aylo Holdings S.A.R.L., the parent company of Pornhub.com, was arraigned on a charge related to unlawful monetary transactions involving sex trafficking proceeds. The company entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York to resolve the charge. The DPA involves the appointment of a monitor for three years and monetary payments to the United States and individuals adversely affected by the underlying sex trafficking. The charge pertains to Aylo's hosting of pornographic videos linked to sex trafficking operations between 2017 and 2019, particularly those associated with the GirlsDoPorn (GDP) group. Aylo will pay $1,844,952.83 to the United States and offer compensation to victims. Additionally, it will be under the scrutiny of an independent monitor for three years to ensure compliance with the DPA terms, including improving content screening and monitoring processes and adopting recommendations made by the monitor.

1. The deferred prosecution agreement aims to hold Aylo accountable for its role in hosting exploitative content and accepting payments from individuals involved in coercing young women into explicit acts posted without consent. The resolution is designed to provide oversight over one of the largest online content distributors globally and develop industry-wide standards for safety and compliance. The agreement takes into account the nature and seriousness of the offense, Aylo's cooperation with the investigation, remedial measures taken since 2020, and the commitment to improving its compliance program. If Aylo breaches the terms, it has agreed to be prosecuted for engaging in an unlawful monetary transaction. The FBI's New York Field Office conducted the investigation, and the case is managed by the U.S. Attorney's Office's Business and Securities Fraud Section. The agreement addresses the wider impact of the monitorship on Aylo and potentially other adult website operators, contributing to internet safety efforts.

PLATFORM SPOTLIGHTS | MHTTC

Mental Health Technology Transfer Center

MHTTC



MHTTC stands for Mental Health Technology Transfer Center. The MHTTC Network is a nationwide network that supports resource development and dissemination, training and technical assistance, and collaboration among mental health professionals. The goal is to enhance the skills and knowledge of the mental health workforce and improve access to quality mental health care. Each MHTTC is regionally focused, and the network is organized into ten regional centers across the United States.

While the specific trainings may vary across different regions, here are some common types of trainings provided by MHTTC:

Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs)

Cultural Competence and Diversity Training

Trauma-Informed Care

Suicide Prevention

Integrated Care

Technology in Mental Health

Workforce Development

Community-Based Services

School-Based Mental Health

Substance Use Disorders & More

Wellspring Living Updates

Activating Advocates Conference